Smoldering peat fires have significant environmental effects
• high carbon emissions (IPCC Emission Factors)
• large amounts of reduced compounds (e.g. CO, CH4)
• other toxic compounds (e.g. ammonia, benzene, hydrogen cyanide)
• small particulates (PM2.5)*
• enhanced fluvial C flux (DOC)**
• They are difficult to extinguish – smoldering fires are often remote and can
reignite (even after rain)
• All fires are caused by anthropogenic ignitions
• There is a clear link between forest disturbance,
peatland drainage and fire occurrence